She has worked with Burt Bacharach, Carole King, Mahalia Jackson and has arranged and produced jingles for the Four Tops and Martha and the Vandellas.
Phillips studied at Oberlin College where she sang with the school's big band and had a radio show.
[4][5] Phillips has worked as a singer, music arranger, conductor, writer, and producer for national commercials including Pepsi, Revlon, and Sheraton.
[10] Phillips worked on demo recordings for Carole King, Burt Bacharach, and Neil Diamond.
The organization sponsors a yearly performance of Bending Towards the Light – A Jazz Nativity,” composed by Phillips.